107SL top folding technique-- Large pictures

[cbdo]

Flixbiz, there's only one possible answer: Build a third stall for your garage!
All seriousness aside, it's probably a fairly even call. I'd likely choose to use the hardtop if I expected major ice, simply because of its rigidity and strength, not to mention that the soft top could be somewhat liable to moisture freezing in the fabric if you get a heavy freezing-rain storm. I might be inclined to toss a couple of mildew-prevention bags in the top compartment just to help keep the immediate environment in there a little drier.

[dmorrison]

I agree with Craig. Install the hard top and cover it.
Mildew can build up in the soft top and ruin it. Make sure it is dry.
You should never retract the soft top while it is wet. Allow it to dry to prevent the mildew problem. Best done on a beautiful day driving on a 2 lane country road at 55-60 MPH with nice music and a nice companion. At the end of the long drive, put the top down and backtrack your route.
Look for a drying bag for storage. Consider Griots.com

Dave

PS consider some other things. Spray 303 protectant on the tires to help stop UV damage. Get it at RV camping stores. Talk to them about storing the car. They deal with it all the time. Occasionally remove th ecover and make sure that dust etc. has not built up under the cover. I use a Technalon cover on the wagon when I had it at the airport on trips. But in Texas the dust gets everywhere and I would find it under the cover.

[Heriberto Rosas]

Thanks a lot for this input, i will really put it on practice. Heriberto

[Tims450SL]

store your soft top (make sure it is absolutely dry) then use your hardtop. No questions for the winter- I know - lived in denver...

[Graham]

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

store your soft top (make sure it is absolutely dry) then use your hardtop. No questions for the winter- I know - lived in denver...

Tim,

When you say store the soft top, do you mean in the boot or off the car?

I just had the soft top off my car and it is just a 10 minute job (4 bolts). If I was going to use the hard top for an extended period, I might think about removing the soft top and storing it in a dry place. Probably better than leaving the cold windows folded and having the top wear holes due to abrasion/vibration.

But we don't drive our car in winter, so just leave the soft top up and not fully tensioned.

[Jack M]

Well Done!!!! I shall get the towels out today. If you already have a bit of curl is here anyway to flatten it back?

Also. I have some white stains /deposits on the aluminum trim that the rubber seal sits on. I have tried many "cures" but none have worked . Have you any suggestions Or for that matter does anyone have one? Thank You, Jack

Knowledge saves big bucks!

[Louis8]

This is a good post and i learned a lot in putting the top down. Since we are on a top issue here is my delima. The part where you rolled up a towel to prevent kinking the window, well for me it's too late cause the drivers side has got a little hole in it. So anyway i want to put new soft top windows in and tinted, the top is just like new but i went to a couple of upolstry placed here around Edmonton Alberta and they tell me they can not do a good job installing just the windows and it will show. So are they right? or do i try to find another shop and get an other opinion? Louis

[Graham]

Originally Posted by Louis8

This is a good post and i learned a lot in putting the top down. Since we are on a top issue here is my delima. The part where you rolled up a towel to prevent kinking the window, well for me it's too late cause the drivers side has got a little hole in it. So anyway i want to put new soft top windows in and tinted, the top is just like new but i went to a couple of upolstry placed here around Edmonton Alberta and they tell me they can not do a good job installing just the windows and it will show. So are they right? or do i try to find another shop and get an other opinion? Louis

Louis - The MB shop manual explains how to do it - Section 77-310. But the top has to be removed first. Unfortunately, cost of removal and re-installation can make it very expensive.

Before I replaced my top, I used a small piece of the clear plastic tape they sell for repairing plastic tail light etc. on the small holes in the corner windows.

[karburn]

Great tips and information! This should be a permanent thread at the top of the SL Forum. Every SL owner has soft top issues / questions.